Xin Jiang
Name: Xin Jiang
Nationality: Chinese
Academic Background: M.Sc. in Biology
Project Title: N-WASP’s role in the skin chronic inflammation
Project Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation frequently observed in the Western world. Although the exact cause of the disease is unclear, excessive production of a secreted immune stimulating molecule called IL-23 by different skin cells seems to be crucial for disease development. Previous data from the group showed that a protein named N-WASP, present in the nuclei of the cells, is playing a major role in regulating IL-23 production by keratinocytes, the major cell type in skin. However, how is this function of N-WASP regulated? N-WASP is a large protein consisting of different functional subdomains and containing a number of phosphorylation sites with potential regulatory function. Through generation of a large number of mutant forms of N-WASP with defined changes in functional domains or phosphorylation sites and testing their functionality in keratinocytes, I try to investigate it.
Project Aim: Aim of my project is to characterize a novel pathway, how IL-23 expression is regulated in keratinocytes.
Expected Outcome:
- Clarify the mechanism of N-WASP’s regulation on IL-23 production in keratinocyte;
- Reveal novel ways to reduce IL-23 production in the skin of psoriasis patients that could complement the existing therapies.
Contact: xin.jiang@bric.ku.dk